Arriving at the island the ferry passes through the busy harbour. The island has a large fishing fleet and trawlers can usually be seen berthed alongside craft of all descriptions including, sampans, junks, kaidos and houseboats.

Cheung Chau Harbour

The ferry pier is on the west side of the island next to the Praya which is lined with seafood restaurants and small shops.

Praya, near Ferry Pier

Apart from some small police, fire and ambulance vehicles the only other powered vehicles on the island are motorised carts weaving along the narrow streets. Cycling is popular and two seat tricycles with sun canopies can be hired from shops on the harbour side on Praya Street and Tai Hing Road and these are an enjoyable way to explore the flat western side of the island.

Tricycles for hire

On the opposite side of the causeway on the eastern side of the island is the sandy Tung Wan Beach and at just round the corner beyond the Warwick Hotel at the southern end of the beach is the attractive Kwun Yam Bay and Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre.

Tung Wan Beach

The famous Cheung Chau Bun Festival takes place every year in late April or early May and its focal point is the colourfully decorated Pak Tai Temple, named after the god of the same name, being the “protector of fishermen”, “guardian of peace” and “military protector”. During the eight day festival the island becomes very crowded with local and overseas visitors. The highlight of the festival is the climbing of the tall bamboo bun towers, a tradition only recently resurrected. The temple is located north of the ferry pier. To get there walk along the harbour side northwards from the pier until reaching a floodlit sports ground with all weather football pitch. The temple is visible behind this sports ground.

Pak Tai Temple, focal point of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival

The narrow streets between the ferry pier and Tung Wan Beach are packed with restaurants and shops selling all types of goods including dried seafood, meats, fruit and vegetables, clothes, electrical goods, herbal medicines, jewellery, hardware and flowers.

San Hing Street

Away from the central causeway the island becomes much quieter and very scenic. There are craggy hillsides, quiet bays and beaches, rocky outcrops, temples, a pirates cave and even a “Mini Great Wall”.

Driver training exercise for Cheung Chau's miniature fire brigade

HARBOUR CRUISE - There is a kaido ferry service from the public pier (adjacent to the main ferry pier) through the harbour to Sai Wan Pier which is within easy walking distance for the Tin Hau Temple and Cheung Po Tsai Cave. The journey takes around 10 minutes and is a good way to see the harbour activity and south west side of the island. The ferry operates at approximately 20 minute intervals from 07-00 to 20-30 daily with increased frequency on Sundays and Public Holidays to meet demand. The fare is HK$3 each way for visitors.


FAMILY TRAIL WALK - A walk around at least part of the island is a “must” and there is a signed family trail around the island. The walk around the whole island takes about three and a half hours but the walk around the southern half of the island is the more interesting and takes about two hours. There are tourist information boards at various points around the island showing the route and present location.

Information boards show the Family Trail route

From the ferry pier walk along Tung Wan Road (almost next to Circle K convenience store) to Tung Wan Beach and on the way (near Park N’Shop supermarket) look out for the sacred Banyan Tree with its shrine. Follow the path along the beach below the Warwick Hotel where there is an ancient 3000 year old rock carving and continue round to Kwun Yam Beach where the windsurfing centre is located. From the beach climb the steps inland and at a junction of several paths follow the Mini Great Wall. This is something of a misnomer, being simply a path, but it follows a scenic headland, passing Loaf Rock and Human Head Rock, and has wonderful scenic views across to Lamma Island and the southern coast of Hong Kong Island.

                      Cheung Chau's "Mini Great Wall", part of the Family Trail

Climb the steps up to Fa Peng and on reaching a modern Mediterranean style housing development at Fa Peng Knoll head left along Don Bosco Road, the path that leads to Nam Tan Wan. Keep on the path that leads to the secluded rocky beach where there is a Tin Hau Temple.

Continue along the path past the temple and end of the beach and climb the steps to rejoin Don Bosco Road. Head left and shortly the path joins Peak Road. At this junction head left again along Peak Road through a residential area with views across the densely populated central causeway until reaching a convergance of paths at a pavilion. Here follow the path (Peak Road West) on the left which leads uphill alongside a school and then further along through the large cemetery. Beyond the crematorium is a path on the left leading down to the secluded and mostly deserted Pak Tso Wan and then round the coastline past Reclining Rock to the Cheung Po Tsai pirates cave.

Pak Tso Wan

If you’re relatively agile follow this path. When the tide is high some climbing over rocks across Po Yue Wan (the small bay beyond Reclining Rock) is required. Look for the concrete footstep markers across the rocks. At one point it appears that the path reaches a dead end but don’t be tempted to turn back. The narrow path actually disappears down between some rocks and steps climb through the rocks to join the path leading from Peak Road West down to the Cheung Po Tsai Cave.

If you’re hesitant about the possibility of having to scramble over rocks continue along Peak Road West which joins the path leading to the Cheung Tsai Po Cave at a barbecue area.

Entrance to Cheung Po Tsai Pirate's Cave

From the cave return to Peak Road West then follow the path leading to the Tin Hau Temple and continue along the harbour side path from Sai Wan along the promenade and back to the ferry pier or if preferred take the kaido ferry from Sai Wan Pier through the harbour to the ferry pier.

EXTENDED WALK - The walk can be extended to the whole island by continuing along the the harbour side past the shipyard area along Cheung Kwai Road where there is a sandy beach and views across the busy Adamasta Channel and ferries scurrying between Hong Kong and Macau and Shenzhen. Just past a modern residential development Scenic Garden climb follow Cheung Pak Road uphill and then a path on the left which leads to a helicopter landing pad and spectacular views down to Tung Wan Tsai (Coral Beach) below.

Coral Beach

It is possible to follow the path down to the beach below and walk across the pebbly beach from where another path and steps lead back up to Cheung Pak Road via a series of pavilions.

                  Pak Kok Tsui Headland (on the "extended" Family Trail Walk)

At the top of Cheung Pak Road before the reservoir follow the path leading back towards the centre of the island past another cemetery and Tin Hau Temple before reaching the Pak Tai Temple, focal point of the Bun Festival. From there it’s a short walk along either Tung Wan Beach or the harbour side back to the ferry pier.

TOURIST INFORMATION – there is a Tourist Information available at B&B Cheung Chau about 3 minutes walk from the ferry pier at 12-14, Tung Wan Road.

STAYING OVERNIGHT – Accommodation is usually readily available on the island but at weekends the island becomes much busier and can be more difficult to find without booking ahead. Popular choices are;

The 3 star WARWICK HOTEL is located on Tung Wan Beach and is popular with both Hong Kong locals and overseas visitors. Some rooms are a little outdated but have balconies overlooking the beach;

http://www.warwickhotel.com.hk/en_index.htm 

B&B CHEUNG CHAU, a delightful 16 room guest house which has quickly become very popular since being established in 2006. Located in two buildings on Tung Wan Road, just 2 minutes walk from the ferry pier and one minutes walk from the beach this establishment has friendly staff, spotlessly clean, modern, well equipped compact rooms and also some suites. Rates include breakfast and wi-fi access in rooms and there is a roof garden with panoramic views.

http://www.bbcheungchau.com.hk/

The popular B&B Cheung Chau guest house offers excellent budget accommodation

PRAYA STREET ACCOMMODATION KIOSKS located by the ferry pier are operated by various property owners and open daily, often until midnight. Here you can view pictures of various types of inexpensive apartments or rooms before making your choice.

USEFUL WEBSITES

An excellent comprehensive website by local freelance writer, journalist and photographer Dr Martin Williams;

http://www.cheungchauhk.com/ 

Pictures and video of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival;

http://www.cheungchau.org/ 

Latest real time Cheung Chau webcam weather photograph from Hong Kong Observatory;

http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/ts/webcam/CCH_e_realtime.htm